BOSTON – Monday, November 25, 2013— MassDOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian has announced birthday postcards will begin appearing in mailboxes this week across the Commonwealth to reminder drivers whose licenses expire in the month of December to renew online or head to a branch for a new picture.

“The Registry ended the license reminder service 5 years ago in a fiscal crunch; over time we have had to get creative and more cost effective in all aspects of our business,” said Registrar Kaprielian. “Today, supported by advertising dollars, we are proud to once again offer this service to our customers.”

The birthday postcard is personalized in order to provide the customer with the most efficient service possible by relaying one of two messages. The postcards will indicate if the driver is eligible to renew online at MassRMV.com or if it they must visit a branch.

A Massachusetts license is valid for five years and there are 4.75 million active licensed drivers in the Commonwealth today. Based on renewal rates, the RMV will send out between 87,000 and 92,000 postcard reminders monthly.

Every 10 years license holders need to visit one of 30 RMV branches across Massachusetts, or one of the RMV’s partner AAA offices, to have a new license photo taken as part of their credential renewal. Drivers age 75 and older at the time of renewal are required to have the renewal transaction completed in a branch or AAA office.

The end of the year is a busy time for the Registry; don’t wait until the last minute to renew. Drivers are encouraged to renew their license at least seven days prior to their birthday/license expiration to ensure that they have their new license in hand before the old license expires.

Moved recently? To guarantee the renewal postcard is sent to your correct address you will need to update the address you have on file with the Registry. You can update your address online; it is a free service at MassRMV.com.

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In 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) was created to unify the state’s various transportation agencies. MassDOT now includes the Highway division, the MBTA and Mass Transit, Aeronautics, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. MassDOT is committed to providing a safe and reliable transportation system to all those who travel in the Commonwealth and works to deliver excellent customer service. MassDOT has been nationally recognized for its innovative approach to transportation, including the Accelerated Bridge Program, the “Where’s My Bus and Train?” apps and “Fast 14” work. For more information, visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot.